Me & You

In these quiet moments, it's just you and I.

There is no one else around to hear your incredibly brilliant jokes, or catch the naughty twinkle in your eye as you begin to learn how to ignore me. We sit quietly in our apartment, Christmas lights sparkling, a candle softly burning, and you turn to me and decide to whisper "Thank you, mommy" as I push some broccoli onto your plate. You seem to understand that it's just the two of us. You seem to like it as much as I do.

I used to feel that it was always better to have someone else there to help witness the moments in life that were worth remembering. Then, when it was just me, alone, I learned to experience the world on my own and cherish the life snapshots that were particularly poignant, or funny. I could always write about them. But I could always not write about them, and they were still just as wonderful, and I didn't have to share. It was an amazing thing to learn - how to be the only one watching an amazing thing take place.

Now, I am the sole keeper of the Kid's moments. I know her secrets. I get to watch her grow, from chrysalis to butterfly.

I love to brag. I love to tell her funny stories and stick her weird, feather- and glitter-covered creations up on my cubicle wall. But I also love these funny moments just between the two of us, parent and child. I love this gossamer thread that connects us.